Archive for January, 2016

I have chosen three areas of my life that I will commit to focusing on and strengthening in the coming twelve months.

Service

“Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile.” – Albert Einstein
“Love your neighbor as yourself.” – Jesus Christ

The only way that I can figure out to show love is through service. Service to my wife. Service to my family. Service to my neighbor. I cannot just say “be warm, be filled.” I have to do.

Non-Exclusive

I could say inclusive, but that does not quite capture the feeling of what I am after. It is not that I am trying to include people in my sphere of influence. It is that I do not want to exclude them by the thoughtless application of ideology or dogma. How will over half of the country see Christ in me if I have alienated them with disparagement of their chosen president? If I am so strident in a political view that a demographic tunes me out how will they hear from me the message of the Hope of Christ? Paul was all things to all people so that he might save some. I have principles I will not abandon. But if they were not ones espoused by Christ I need to champion them gently and with caution.

Patience

Patience comes before gentleness, which is one of my old words. It is also one that I still desperately need to show those around me. Maybe gentleness will come easier if I do not become impatient in the first place. I guess I am in for a year of gridlock and long queues!